I agree with Jim for the most part. Especially concerning the ease on breaking the clips on the speedo attachment.

I never remove the steering wheel cover and have no difficulty getting the instrument panel out. Make sure your wheels are pointing straight forward so that the top of the steering wheel is level to Instrument panel.

After removing the 4 screws, pull the instrument panel forward, it may take a little wiggling to get it started, but do not force it.

Pull it forward far enough so that you can peer behind it from the right hand side (your head next to the radio or top compartment in dash). Write down where all the wires come from. The speedo connector is held in place by a clip tht goes over the connector. There are two "fangs" on the side closest to you. Lightly pull these "fangs" toward you as you ease the clip up (toward the engine), this will take some patience. I broke my pins off and the connector WOULDN'T stay on. If you do break them you can probably wedge a piece of cardboard between the connector and clip to make a friction fit, I rebuilt the clip (I'm a model maker though).

After all wires are loose, slide the instrument panel full forward and to the RIGHT, toward the passenger side (Jim suggested left and I have had no luck going that way, maybe if you remove the steering wheel cover).

After you have the instrument panel out lay it face down on a pad or towel on your bench. Remove the 7 (I think) screws from the edge of the board. Carefully lift the instrument panel out of the trim.

There are 2 or 4 (not sure) screws on the back of the speedo itself, remove thse and slide the speedo forward. Note the metal contact pins on the side of the speedo, don't bend them.

Remove the 2 screws that hold the motor on and carefully lift the motor. You will now see the broken gear. Replace it.

When putting the unit back together be careful of the contact pins on the speedo. When sliding the instrument panel back onto the trim piece, watch the trip meter reset and the clock set stems.

Is your temperature gauge acting screwy? This would be a good time to clean those contacts as well. Just type in "temperature" or "Wacky temp gauge" and there are threads in the archives that explain this, also you will see detalied instructions on how to remove instrument panel there.

Where are you getting the gear? Type in "Odometer gear source" and you will see a recent thread that I posted, if you have a different source please add the details for the benifit of all.

Good Luck!

Chris Kaufman
Greensboro, NC
--
1987 245DL, only god knows how many miles. Damn that little plastic gear.